Sidmouth Regatta Sailing. Ref shsp 35 17TI 0022. Picture: Terry Ife

Sidmouth Regatta Sailing. Ref shsp 35 17TI 0023. Picture: Terry Ife

Sidmouth Regatta Sailing. Ref shsp 35 17TI 0028. Picture: Terry Ife

Following a tremendous display from the Red Arrows on Friday night, the event officially opened on Saturday with a packed programme of races through the day.

At lunchtime, teams limbered up for the annual adult three-legged race around six of Sidmouth’s pubs.

Barry Morton and Adrian Cload impressed judges as with their Donald and Ivana Trump costume in the fancy dress competition.

Vicki Belle and Chris Helyar were the quickest around the course, followed by James Salter and Steve Hackett.

Eyes turned back to the water for the raft race which had eight entries. The New Devon Vikings were voted the best fancy dress ahead of the race.

The ‘Saints & Sinners’ were the first adult team over the line, and youngsters Ollie and Rosanna Percival and William and Toby Morris claimed victory in the junior category.

The Saturday concluded with music from The Culprits and the grand firework display.

On Sunday, glorious weather kept some younger visitors away from the children’s activities but organisers said the treasure hunt was very well supported and thanked Adele Salter for once again organising the events.

Judge Heather Adkin also faced a tough job deciding the winners of the chalk drawing competition that took place on Sunday.

Oliver Salter, from the Regatta committee, said: “Generally attendance and entries on Saturday were up on last year but the heat and low tide on Sunday meant many of the children were on the beach.

“Local band The Culprits played to an appreciative crowd prior to the fireworks which were the best ever in Sidmouth, again with new varieties including ones that landed on the water and impressive aerial explosions.”

Steve Stafford from Tunbridge Wells was the winner of the shop window competition.